Im leaning twards Kess, im also making the Watson connection but I dont think a super middleweight Benn gets stopped by Watson, he was more polished at 168 and although I think he would lose a decision, itd be a better showing from him. i think Kessler is a bit too precise and although I see it being a tough close fight I think Kess nicks it on points, cleaner straighter punches aswel as better defence. Close though. Kessler pts.
I'm confident in Kessler's boxing ability getting the better of Benn for the majority of the time, and although he's never been down amateur or pro, you can never tell if a guy can take Benn's punches until he faces him. Kessler has the guard to block most punches, and he'd have to be defensively on his game, but you will take a punch eventually. It's very difficult to be certain, thats the beauty of a murderous puncher. It's kinda like dominating from open play in football and then conceding from a corner.
I agree with this, although I don't think it would be that close. Probably something like 116-112/113
Interesting match up. Benn has problems with slick counter fighters but Kessler has never shown me any ability to counter when he is being put under pressure. When Kessler is not controlling the pace he looks crap (e.g. Calzaghe fight) so I am thinking Benn will break him with his intensity.
I dont see what the Watson fight can tell anyone about this a fight with Kessler. Watson waited and countered Benn where as Kessler like to keep coming forward at a steady pace using his jab to control things.
50/50 IMO. I can see Kessler winning due to his counter-punching and I especially see him troubling Benn with that strong stiff jab of his. I can see that jab landing on Nigel alot of the time and disrupting his offense. Stiff Jab + Combination always seem to work on Nigel. But at the same time, I can also equally see Benn winning. One thing that Kessler offers Benn with is a stationary target. Mikkel's a good counter-puncher, but he's always in front of you. He doesn't move much, especially his head. So Benn might not have much trouble finding his mark. Especially since for a brawler like he is, he's got pretty fast hands that even top fighters couldn't see coming. Plus that awkward bob and weave style that Benn employs could confuse Kessler and make him miss. So its too close to call, but its defo a great fight and this is a great thread. :good
I would pick Calzaghe UD over Benn, Benn hit's much harder than Calzaghe. Kessler defense not so great, KO for Benn.
Ah ****! I meant to vote unsure. Yet I voted for Benn KO. Damn!! All this Benn vs current 168lbs matchups is making my head spin!
Kessler would hurt Benn and cause him trouble. Kessler is tough....but the last real Benn performance....THAT fight....he would knock Kessler out. I don't doubt Kessler has a very good chin, and I think Benn was slightly more destructive at MW....but there's no doubt he was still a very good puncher, and in part he had a lower K.O ratio at SMW due to the aftermatch of the McClellan fight. Could go either way...but in support of one my favourite fighters to watch, I'm going for The Dark Destroyer.
Benn's power wasn't the same at 168 as it was at 160 and Kessler is a bigger man all round, plus he has solid power of his own. Benn never really held a shot too well even at middleweight, nevermind against a bigger man like Kessler. Kessler TKO6 Benn.